Improvement in iwsect-destroyers



G. B. DRUM.

INSECT DESTROYER.

No. 187,258. Patented. Feb. 13, 12:77.

@FFIGE.

IMPROVEMENT IN INSECT-DESTROVERS.

Specification forming part of Letters'Patent No. H7,25, dated February 13. 1877 application tiled November 11, 1876.

To all whom it may-concern:

Be it known that I, GEORGE B. DRUM, of Syracuse, in the county of Otoe and State of Nebraska, have invented a new and useful Improvement in lnsectDest-royer, of which the following is a specification:

Figure l is a vertical section on line m. Fig. 2 is a plan view with a part of the top re moved, showing the mechanism.

Similar letters of reference indicate correspondin g parts.

The object of this invention is to provide a mechanism for the purpose of destroying grasshoppers and other noxious insects.

This invention consists in a vehicle containing a combined catching and destroying mechanism, to be drawn about the fields for the purpose of ridding them of noxious in sects.

This mechanism is constructed as follows: To the front of the principal frame A of the vehicle is attached, by a hinge or movable joint, a scraper-frame, B. The front edge of B is carried along or near the ground for the purpose of collecting and starting the insects from the ground. Within the frame B are two rolls, B B carrying an endless apron, B of canvas or other flexible material. On B are secured one or more strips of wood or metal, B the purpose of these strips B being to keep the canvas straight, and carry the insects forward upon the apron, and prevent their rolling out and escaping. The rolls B and apron B are driven by a belt from one of the wheels A of the vehicle. Upon the frame A is secured a brush, A to sweep the insects and drive them toward the rolls 0, and also to prevent them from being carried around with the apron B Upon the frame A, and immediately in the rear of the brush A are placed two or more crushingrolls, O O, of wood or metal. These rolls 0 0 run in boxes, connected by the spring 0 for the purpose of gi ving the rolls 0 0 a yielding or elastic pressure upon each other. The rolls 0 O are driven by gearing from one of the wheels A of the vehicle, and in such direction that the insects passing over the brush are drawn through the rolls 0 U and killed, falling upon the ground, or if it is desired to collect the insects for any purpose, a bag may be attached to the frame A, by hooks or otherwise, below the rolls (3 0.

Upon the frame A are screwed, by means of springs or elastic connections a, two scrapers, A, of metal or wood, which, bearing upon the surfaces of the rolls C O, serve to keep them clean and prevent the insects. from being carried around them and clogging the machine. Tothe top of the frame A is secured a light frame or top, E, of wood or metal, covered with the same or with canvas, and having two side wings, E E, also of canvas. The side-wings E are also secured to the frame of the apron B forming with that and with the top E a hopper of entrance to the rolls 0 O, of large area, to catch the insects and prevent their flying over the machine and escaping. The wings E are also attached to the shafts D D, or to the harnesses of the horses, to assist in spreading and enlarging the area of the hopper. The frame A is carried upon two wheels, A A which have projections upon their periphery to give them the necessary driving-power required by the rolls B and 0. To each side of the frame A are secured backets a, which extend back and are attached to the outer end of axles of A A Upon the brackets a are pivoted shafts D, by means of which horses can be harnessed to the vehicle for the purpose of drawing it, the pivots d giving the horses the necessary freedom and independence of motion, and also allowing the side Wings E to be drawn out or spread out by the action of the horses.

Having thus described my invention, 'I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent-- 1. The combination, with a wheeled vehicle, of the hinged frames A B, the former provided with brush, A, spring-connected scrapers A and spring-connected rolls 0, and the latter with rolls B and endless apron B having the strips B the winged top E E being arranged thereover, as and for the purpose specified.

2. The shafts D of an insect-destroyer, connected with the extension-ends of the journals of axle, substantially as and for the purpose described.

GEORGE B. DRUM.

Witnesses:

THOMAS WILSON, IsAAo LE DROYT. 

